Sunday, December 21, 2014

It's fitting that "Uncle Ned" be the guest blogger for this final post, also the Christmas post. His "post" was written some 70 years ago as a gift for his brother, Chester, and that Tyson family (December 1944). His poem mentions each child in the family. (More on this Tyson family Post #36)I picked up Ned’s poem from the 20th issue of THE FAMILY NEWS (Tyson family news), December 1949 where it was reprinted. The Editors wrote it was for: “the family gathering at Crestmont – Christmas 1944. It was Aunt Elizabeth’s idea [Elizabeth Tilton]. She asked Uncle Ned if he would like to do it. He did and read it to us then. We don’t know how long he spent in writing it; a heavy job we’d say. Although he was in poor health, he read the story dramatically, and gave every sign of enjoying what turned out to be his last Christmas with us.” THE FAMILY NEWS December, 1949To clarify/remind you of a couple things:1 Ned married Mary Hawxhurst, brother Chester married Mary’s sister Bertha. 2 Ned was 13 years older than brother Chester; Mary was 19 years older than sister Bertha. (Mary had already passed away when Ned wrote this).3 At the start of the poem the little girl is mentioned is Bertha who views the courtship of sister Mary and Ned at the girls’ Hawxhurst home in Westbury, Long Island, NY.

** **

You’ve heard the tale of the mountain, who laboring brought forth a mouseBut this tale is totally different, with nothing to show but a louse.Please don’t be too hard on Elizabeth, but sympathize insteadIntentions were good, and the only fault, over-rating her Uncle Ned.With this most humble apology, we’ll proceed to enter the gateOf the Westbury home of the Hawxhursts in the good old Empire State.

In the year eighteen hundred and eighty-five(Why General Grant was still alive)A gawky youth sat on a parlor “Cheer”Patiently waiting for his girl to appear.

As he presently glanced toward the parlor doorWhat should he see but a damsel of four.With cheeks flaming red, and eyes that were brightPresenting indeed, a delectable sight.

Forth, with her brother, they came hand in hand(He as chaperone, doubtless) to finally landOn the very uncomfortable knew of the youthWho was much embarrassed and flustered, forsooth.

But this dainty damsel was not bothered at allAnd it soon became patent this “Queen of the Ball”Had fully decided, without shadow of doubtTo fully and totally cut sister out.

And when the said sister had finally arrivedMuch disgusted was damsel to be thus deprivedOf any chance further to make us of her smilesAnd to break down resistance with feminine wiles.

But later, this damsel came down to see Sister.She chanced to look ‘round before even she’d kissed herAnd in plain sight beheld (in fact, it was no other)No, not the slim youth, but his much younger brother.

One glance was quite sufficient to captivate this brotherAnd if you do not think so, just take a look at Mother.And as to that which followed, strictly twixt you and meThe final result was the best that could be.

For through a full lifetime of living togetherThru good times and bad times, thru fair and foul weatherThere ne’er was a day, not even a momentThat either withheld the love that’s so potent.

And then when the children commenced to arriveThe house soon became like a busy bee hive.And it was a real joy for all persons to seeThis proud active worker and his prouder Queen Bee.-------------------------

Proud of their children, proud of their houseProud of each other, this husband and spouse. Proud of their work, and enjoying their play A most perfect setting. What more can I say?

But as to the children, there’s much more to be said

And before you get thru with this garrulous Ned

You’ll probably wish he had died in the borning

But cheer up, my friends, it’s a long time till morning.

The first to appear on this peaceable scene

was cute little Donald, the joy of the “Queen.”

The “Pride of her heart”, as is so often said

But little she knew of what lay ahead.

For one day this “cute” little duffer

(Right on Grandma’s best parlor carpet)

Bu no. Drop the curtain, please do

And promptly forgive and forget it.

A little while later this venturesome kid

At the age of four – just see what he did.

He climbed to the top of the windmill of steel

To see how the air of the heavens would feel.

But fortunately then, at the eighty foot height,

His father and mother hove into sight.

He was soon back to earth, without any harm

Then climbed a low stump and broke his left arm.

And so, his adventures, if I really come clean

Continued thru life, ‘til he met up with Irene.

She took him in hand, and straightened him out

And taught him what living was really about.

Soon, along there came Charles, whom they nicknamed Jimmy.

Followed by Kenneth, first cousin to “Ginny”

And competent Florence, beloved Aunt of the boys,

Who adds much to their comfort, as well as their joys.

Jimmy’s a worker, when someone’s around,

Disking the peaches, and plowing the ground.

Helps Uncle Ralph, by driving the tractor.

In this Tyson household, he’s a much valued factor.

Kenny delights in going to school

Between you and me, that chap is no fool.

Having no sister, he does what ma wishes,

From mowing the lawn, to washing the dishes.

A mighty fine pair of dependable kidsIf they were put up at auction, I’d certainly bid.Not only adventures embroidered Don’s lot,Real work was needed to fire the pot.Now, Don is helping his old Uncle SamTo get needy farmers out of a jam.Buying their phosphate, supplying their limeFurnishing seeds, and a lot of his time.

But when Don pursues this difficult task,“What becomes of the Farm”, you may properly ask.The answer’s- Irene. Your guess was quite near.She’s cook, nurse, or farmer as need doth appear.

So, good luck to Don, and his helpmate, Irene.As to the boys, it’s plain to be seenThat besides helping Daddy, they are always most keenTo take mighty good care of “Gram”, the good Queen.- - - - - - -The next to leave Heaven to hunt up a jobWas named Robert William, but we soon dubbed him “Bob”.And the first thing he said when he opened his eyesWas, “Find me the mud and I’ll market mud pies.”

“Twas the third of July, year 19-0-3When Bob “putted off” from the Heavenly “Tee”And from that day to this, he’s been a “Go-getter”If someone was good, he’d go him one better.

I”ll never forget the day that he foundHis old job as foreman had sunk ‘neath the ground.Did he whimper and cry? Not that you could mentionBut stated instead, as his considered intention,

“To start off tomorrow”, to Harrisburg, say“And grab me a job, that hereafter I mayHave something to do that looks like a job,No matter what,” said competent Bob.

And grab one he did, before the day’s end“Not just what I’d like, but I will surely bendEvery effort to please, so when I request A recommendation, ‘twill be of the best.”

And so, this aforesaid sturdy go-getterHas gradually risen from good jobs to better.And if you assay the true cause to ferret,You’ll quickly discover, it’s unalloyed merit.

And, as everyone knows, through all of this strife,Bob has been blessed with the most excellent wife.Thelma’s true as blue steel, and loving and kind,Keeping him fully, and properly dined.

And “Jerry” Louise, now there’s a fine girl,Who surely will make her own place in Life’s whirl.And be like her mother, entirely contentTo manage a household, as is Nature’s intent.

But one fact has just come to the writer’s attentionWhich perhaps, at this place had had much better mentionAll thru the time of his youth, so they sayThis Robert persisted in running away.

He’d run away in daytime, he’d run away at nightHe’d run away just any time, much to his mother’s fright.She whipped him, and she lashed him, and she locked up his attire,And still this Bob kept running; he never seemed to tire.- - - - - - Now, the next boy to arrive was really a girlAt least as time passed, she donned skirts awhirl.But, as to cosmetics, and other girl lotionsShe much preferred boys, and strictly boy notions.

‘Stead of making mud pies, to be fed to a ragWould ‘round a stick like a doll, she would tagAlong with the boys, to their vast irritationSans hat, and sans shoes, and sans invitation.

She’d much rather try to hit a ball with a batThan have a new dress, or a ravishing hatUnmercifully the boys would tease and malignBut she made the home team, the famed Tyson Nine.

What a slim foundation, you’d say, for a wife,To mend a man’s clothes, and feed him for lifeTo bear all his children, bring them to perfectionAnd give to them all, both love and affection.

But, just wait a moment, she was mother’s good helperWith physique like an ox, and a quite even temperWilling to do, and the wherewith to do it,A quite different story, as you’ll certainly view it.

Eating the pudding determine its worthA saying that’s true, all over the earth.So, just look around, and answer me,Could any result more commendable be?

She’s got her a husband, as fine as could be,And three sturdy youngsters, as you plainly see,And dear Mother Moore, who never is cross.She has a good job, but a crusty old boss.

One thing I’ve forgotten, forgive me, please do.I’ll make due amends, before I am throughHer first name’s Elizabeth, after Queen BessMiddle name Charity, grandsir’s mother, I guess.

She got her last name from Charles Tilton, for life,When she solemnly promised to be a true wife.Charles served in the Air Corps, a Captain in rank.On his being a good one, you surely can bank.

Here’s are very best wishes to this happy pairAnd to their three lively children, so sturdy and fair.There’s bright active Billy, lovely Mardy and AnnAnd we wish Mother Moore the best that we can.'Twas the year nineteen six and the gorgeous month of MayWhen dainty Margaret Janet deigned to turn her steps this way.She was, of course, expected and you may be very sureThat proper steps were taken to receive this maiden pure.

She was so very lovable, so charming and so brightThat all our hearts were filled with joy and pure delight.And when asthma took its toll, and caused so much distressShe had our warmest sympathy throughout her strain and stress.

And when her parents’ fondest hopes were broken like a reed'Twas Margaret Janet who arrived and helped to fill their need.For many years it was her task to the youthful mind to teachThe same time building up her own to further outward reach.

One lucky day she met a man, one of important station.Clarence Keefer was his name, a shark at sanitation.A hard working chap was he, as befitted his positionWith a twinkling eye, and a smiling face, and a flair for erudition.

It quickly developed that these studious minds were not disposed to tarryAnd soon the Meeting received a request that they be permitted to marry.Permission granted, arrangements made, and the knot tied good and tightBut not a single strand used they, but a wholly dependable light.

A chance soon came to travel, at home and over seasTo visit Friendly neighborhoods, and to examine scenesAnd copious notes were carefully kept to inform the folks at homeIn case they too should later on, kick up their heels and roam.

Many learned treatises flow from their facile pen.For Margaret, too, helps Clarence now and then.Here’s to this lovable pair, and here’s to the work they doMay a world of happiness be their lot, and envelope them thru and thru- - - - - - -Frederick, middle name Carroll, came to town in Nineteen eightThe month was Feb. the day was nine, when he finally crashed the gate.Now, what’s to be done with this rollicking kind, who comes bounding in at the door,After quietly stowing himself away ‘neath grandma’s kitchen floor.

For there was a cistern grim and cold.‘Twas oft full of water, but please, withholdYour fears, for he’d chosen a day for his tryWhen the underground dungeon was partially dry.

He tangled up with so much dirtFrom day through following day,That Mother in desperation said,“He meets the thing half way.”

As years passed on, concern rose as to where he’d find a mateSo they sent him out, and sternly bade that he travel early and late.From East to West, from North to South he was compelled to roamWhen suddenly lovely Mildred Jost was found near Home Sweet Home.

Then they traveled together from East to West, and from West to East returnedFrom North to South, and back again, many gallons of gas they burned.But in their travel on business bent, they’d secretly bemoanThe lack of an heir to gladden their hearts, and brighten their hoped for home.But one day in Gasport, State of New York, there arose a mighty shout,And neighbors came from near and far, to learn what t’was all aboutAnd soon they found, as you must have reckoned,The stork had delivered Frederick Carroll, the Second.

So, here we will leave them with our very best wishes.She to care for their son, and he to wash dishes.We are sorry to miss hem in this moment of cheerAnd look forward hopefully to Christmas next year.- - - - - - - - - -Phil, best pal of Frederick, was the next chap to blow inFirst name Edwin; to deny him a better was surely a sinAnd to put that name first, must have been done on a betBust much worse placed in 2nd, for t’would then have spelled PET.

Despite this handicap severe, his arrival was just fineOn July 28th, in the year Nineteen O Nine.And almost at once with his pal, brother FredHe joined up with “The Firm” and came forging ahead

Now, there’s a point of ancient history that gladly would I passBut strict Poetic Justice requires me, Alas!To here and now remind you of something stark and rash‘Tis just that little matter of fourteen Meeting sash.

It seems that Phillip’s Mother, one lovely summer’s mornDesired that he should fetch her some edible sweet cornNow such a job fit not at all with Phillip’s daily plan.But worse than that, he smuggled in his little brother Stan.

To hasten up this tale of woe, and close it with a strokeBefore the day was ended, there were fourteen windows broke.Now what was done with Stanley and what was done with Phil?I’ll leave to you the question, “Was there a rumpus on the Hill?”

With such a start, you’d likely guess an end at Leavenworth.But if you did, far wrong you’d be – I double up with mirthFor Phil is in the Army – and doing mighty fineAnd Stan is in the Navy – bucking hard the line.

He spent a time at college. At G.M. Tech, I think.The while he built car coolers for Lockport’s Harrisons, Inc.He worked a spell at Gasport, testing sprayer pumps.Then heeded Horace Greeley, and crossed the Rockies’ humps.

We see that this was not each day, the only vital partHe turned his hand from work to play and studied Kodak art.And those of us who’ve a chance his photographs to view,Are most enthusiastic as we scan them thru and thru.

The Army checked his talents and taught him radio.Then shipped him o’er the water to far off Borneo.But there’s one thing we’ve never heard. He never wrote a line,To say if any girl had caused his lonely heart to pine.

Here’s to our Phil, may he soon return, again to his native landAnd if he should bring back with him from off he Western sandAs helpmate for a lifetime, a frizzy skirted lassWe’ll tear up all our gardens and plant two pampas grass.- - - - - - - - Now following previous mention, Stanley comes in quickHis first name, of course, is Richard, but nobody calls him Dick.His initial bawl and initial crawl came in Nineteen elevenOn the 22nd day of windy March, he dropped in straight from Heaven.

For nearly a year he couldn’t decide whether he’d better go backBut soon this curly head (first of its kind) took quite a different tack.From day to day and from week to week, he gradually added poundsBy now he can tackle any one in any number of rounds.

Standing up straight as a ramrod, clad in gleaming whiteYes, he belongs to the Navy, a truly commendable sight.

But I’m getting ahead of my story, truck driving was Stan’s delightHe tinkled the bell on a trolley till bus driving came into sight.And while the bus still he was driving, right in the prime of life,He met the girl of his choice, who later became his wife.

All Hail to thee, Irma May Hamilton, now adding the last name of StanThere’s now a most welcome addition to the growing Tyson clan.May we soon be most gratefully able to greet thee and Stan togetherAnd, after this heart-rending gap, may you join your hands forever.- - - - - - - - - - Now after the namesake of his father, a name most widely sownAll over this State and in others, Chester Tyson’s favorably known.This boy arrived in September; I’m sure twas the 22nd.The year was Nineteen hundred and twelve, as time is usually reckoned.

A farmer he’d be. He early showed sign.A garden he had before he was nine.He learned how to plow and to hoe and to seed.To prune and to spray, to harvest and week.

George would say, “June, take wagon and muleTo number eleven with Buzz Rice and tool.”Flop-eared and droopy, but safe was Kate,As she hauled men and tools from early till late.

To Penn State he went and an “Ag” became.He studied and worked and attained some fameFor pruning and trimming and budding and such,Which helped with the cost of college quite much.

The Baltimore Windsors did not long debateWhen Chester J. Junior appeared at the gate.“Your daughter I’d have, to make me a wife.”“Then take her,” they said, “and keep her for life.”

Thus Charlotte was found, and luckily-My!For her kind is rare and hard to come by.Soon there was added “Bud,” Chester the Third.And Naomi – Ann, “Nan”, as light as a bird.

To Delaware State in due time he hiedTo test what he’d learned about credit. He triedTo make management plans for farmers there. And help keep bill collectors out of their hair.- - - - - - - A genuine blond – 'tis rare in this troop.(There only were two in the entire group.)Given name Ralph – for Dean Watts – good friend.On 10th twenty-seventh to earth did descend.The year was ’14 and probably night.He was tiny – quite small – just a wee mite.Just look at him now, he outgrew it you see.He’s spare but so tall as I’d want to be.

His youth was well spent at labor and play.He mowed lawn and sprayed and helped make hay.He studied at school and at State College, too.And married a wife before you’d say – boo!

‘Twas Emilie Davis, a slim Quaker lass,of N.J. and Earlham and Laurel. Yes,At Laurel she’d spent many summers, I hear.Fast friends they’d become for the Lakes was so near.

Of Ed. Nicodemus and Mr. Hess, too.He asked for a job and bought some ground, true.He managed their orchard and tended his land.He set his sights high and ambition fanned.- - - - - - - - ‘Twas A. D. 15 and May 6th at that,When the Doctor gave signal in Chester’s flatA new child was born, a fine laddie too.A good contribution to that growing crew.

The Tenth child he was and thus he was dubbed,Sir Dixie Paul Tyson, but quickly we rubbed The first of it out and called him plain “Dix”That set him off well from the first and last six.

Handsome greys for summer afternoon, matched by shirts of blueAnd when the evening suits appeared, they were of every hue.Now, this is Fred? Well, I guess not. Dix for short, to you,And were his brothers jealous like? Too true, too true, too true.

But when the time had come in course to put this chap to workT’was found it didn’t do at all; he’d much prefer to shirk.Now that is not a proper start for any chap in lifeBut all this fellow needed was a proper steady wife.

And when he finally found her, and a careful survey madeT’was found that he had stumbled on a mine of gold “indade.”So lovable and charming, so capable and trueHave you any wonder that we are jealous, too?

And now that Dix is married, he is working like an oxSalting down the lucre ‘neath keys and sturdy locks.When is thee coming, Audrey Jean, and thy baby, little Rae?We hope that all can come at least by another Christmas day.- - - - - - - - - -Strange it must seem and most strange indeed.Up to this time no one saw a need To nineteen nineteen no child had wornThe name of his mother in Westbury born.

A good name it is. So proud he must be.Alan Hawxhurst, they called him. Thus did heFill in the omission so glaringly plain.And to this generation a brave name retain.

With Norman Eugene as the twelfth, I am done,And endeth my tale in the year twenty one.But no, I won’t end it, more must be toldOf trials and triumphs – all I’ll unfold.

Alan and Norma, a penalty paidFor having eight brothers. Their days were madeChuck full of labor, chores, errands and suchDuties as didn’t appeal to them much.

“Alan, do this. Now, Norman do that.Run to the house and get me a hat.”The latter was fatter; the former light.Their tasks kept them busy from morning to night.

I don’t s’pose it hurt them to work in this way.They just did their share, in truth I must say.Of farm work and house work, garden and stand,At spraying, and pruning and tilling the land.

His schooling once finished, Alan turned his feetDue east to Doylestown Village, Bucks’ county seat.There he worked for Burpees testing beans and chard,Putting his findings on a little card.

Soon he joined the Navy, a mariner forsooth.A pilot’s helper he. Aerologist, this youth.Judged the clouds and winds above. Read their spread and height.Planned the weather for ahead, both for day and night.

A splicerman was Norman, a cable mender he,A joiner of coaxials for A.T. & T.The Army took advantage of Norman’s skill and care.And sent him o’er the water to fix the cables there.

- - - - - - With that I cease my ramblings. I’ll end the story there.I’ll thank our host and hostess who did this meal prepare,And quote the words of Dickens, in light of dying sunWhose Tiny Tim was lead to say, “God Bless Us Everyone.”

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Francis Barnard & Lucretia & 7 Sons in the War for Independence[This post begins with Francis Barnard & wife Lucretia daughter named Lucretia Barnard. Then I backtrack to her parents, Francis Barnard & Lucretia Pinney]Lucretia Barnard and her familyLucretia Barnard was my 5th great grandmother. She was born November 11, 1743 in Simsbury, CT.Her parents (my 6th gr grandparents) were Francis Barnard & Lucretia Pinney. That's a bit confusing because she married an Abraham Pinney (he had married four times before his death).

She's a great grandmother but, how am I related to her?

Traditional trees make it a bit distracting to follow her line, so I've simplified it with my own chart so I could easily show how I’m descended
from Francis and Lucretia (Pinney) Barnard. Read the left side of the chart
below to follow the descendancy by offspring.

Lucretia Barnard's family (Deacon) Francis Barnard and Lucretia Pinney’s 2nd child and the eldest daughter of 13 children was Lucretia Barnard.

Lucretia (Barnard) Pinney's Death Lucretia Barnard died before the Revolutionary War had begun on October 26, 1775 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. She had twin boys, Elijah and Elisha, the same day she died. That leads me to believe the cause of her death was tied to the childbirth.

Lucretia Barnard's grave, 1st wife Abraham Pinney

Lucretia's widower Abraham Pinney’s further marriages:[As an aside: Abraham remarried several times. His 2nd wife was a Sarah Clark (d.10 Jun 1811), his 3rd wife was Hester Case (Higley, widow of Brewster Higley) and his 4th wife was Ruth Cossett (Perkin) (d. 1836), widow of a Mr.Perkin or Perkins]War for Independence in AmericaThe Revolutionary War changed everything for everyone. As mentioned Lucretia, Abraham’s 1st wife, had already died when it began. However, Abraham Pinney (my 5th gr grandfather) volunteered and was a Lieutenant in the 9th Company from Simsbury, Conn. He was also with the 18th Regiment in Boston during Lexington Alarm. He served in New York State throughout the war.

from Roster of Revolutionary Ancestors

Grave, Abraham Pinney Jr

The Barnard Family in the Revolutionary WarAbraham's service in the War for Independence was a bit overshadowed by his in-law's family. Why?Francis Barnard & his wife Lucretia (my 6th gr grandparents, Lucretia’s parents) who were still alive at the time, saw all seven of their sons fight in the American War for Independence. The Barnard HouseApparently that all 7 sons went to war made an impression on the locals. Someone eventually paid tribute to the sacrifice of the Barnard family: the Francis Barnard house was memorialized by a plaque.

The plaque reads:

Francis Barnard and Lucretia Pinney, married in 1740, built a house at this site, and here raised their thirteen children.From this house went forth seven sons, Francis, David, Samuel, Moses, Aaron, Ebenezer and Elihu to fight in the American Revolution.The Francis Barnard house stood here until 1989, one of the oldest houses in Bloomfield.

This plaque had replaced an older one:

Who were these Seven Sons? Here is a list of the seven Barnard sons / Lucretia’s brothers who served in the American Revolution.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

BirthBarnabas McGee was born about 1742, believed to have been born in Northern Ireland (likely Ulster). New World and MarriageBarnabas immigrated to Pennsylvania where he married Ann (Nancy) Carroll of London, England. I'm fairly certain they departed for Canada from the port of Philadelphia. Prior to departing they lived in PA, New Jersey or nearby. Move to Canada, to PictouOriginally Pictou, Nova Scotia was awarded by the King of England to a handful of subjects who agreed to settle it for England.The King's permission contained a complex mandate about clearing the land and planting crops, and establishing a town all within certain time parameters. It tells you something about the scramble for territory.

Eastern Canada today

The very best land was already held by the earliest settlers (all British subjects) before Barnabas and Nancy even left for Canada. The map above of Eastern Canada will give you an idea where Nova Scotia is relative to other provinces of E. Canada.The settlement they left for had been nicknamed Pictou "New Scotland" for the many settlers of Scottish descent.

It was 1767 or 1768 that Barnabas and Nancy packed up and moved to Nova Scotia from PA. (The year tells me he wasn't a Loyalist). Once there, Barnabas was awarded a large grant of land at Roger's Hill in Pictou. However, Rogers Hill is a good way from the coast.

Where is Pictou?Today Pictou is a town in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Now you're wondering: "Where is Pictou?" You may have heard of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the capital of the Province of Nova Scotia.

The map below shows Pictou's location relative to Halifax.

Province of Nova Scotia. Halifax in south, Pictou to north/east.

The McGees had a daughter they called Polly in Pictou and the family remained there about nine years. First White Settlers of Merigomish, Nova Scotia, CanadaBut Barnabas was not content with his location on Rogers Hill. Though he had a good amount of land, I would guess he -or they-wanted to be nearer the shore.

So, in the fall of 1776 or the spring of 1777 he moved to Merigomish, NS, and settled not far from the shore, but on the eastern side of a river. Oh happy day!

Merigomish Train Depot 1900s

Shore Rd, Merigomish, NS

Turn off to Barneys Road in Merigomish, NS

So, How far is Merigomish from Pictou? If you travel overland, it’s 23 miles (38 KMS) by today’s roads from Pictou to Mergomish. However, if you go by boat, (I don’t have the nautical miles), but it looks like it’s not more than 6 miles south from Pictou to what is Mergomish.

Yes, the McGees now had land near the shore. And while Barnabas McGee and Nancy Carroll were officially the first white settlers of Merigomish which comes with its own bit of wondefulness, but it could be a bit lonely.Barnaby's River, MerigomishThe river they settled by was later called Barney's River after Barnabas, some time around or after his death.

From The History of Barneys
River—Early Days in East Pictou by HH Bruce for the Eastern Chronicle. 18
September 1886

From the book, Place Names of Nova Scotia

Barnabas and Nancy had four* more children, and they were the first white settlers born in the area.Work and Staying FedBarnabas (“Barney”) was said to be a cooper by trade (cooper makes barrels, casks and the like). He would likely have searched the northern forests for oak. Eventually however, he (possibly for financial reasons?) turned to shipbuilding and fishing.

"A record from September 1788 says that he sold a good shallop [sloop] 'Nancy' about twenty-two tons, to Hugh Denoon of Merigomish, trader, for the sum of 45 pounds."

Also, there are many records of sales of land by Barnabas McGee. One record of him says that he:

"is still remembered for his hospitality to strangers and travellers."

Two Deaths & the WidowBarney McGee and his son, Barnabas, set out one fall to sail to Newfoundland but never arrived. They were shipwrecked and drowned. Their bodies weren't found until spring -- on the shore of nearby Cape Breton.His widow Nancy was then on her own. It was said that she made a name for herself. She always ministered to the medical needs of her neighbors. For example, there is one record where she removed frozen fingers from the survivors of a ship wreck.

Nancy was often called upon to help out at the most inconvenient times. When there was too much snow, she'd don snowshoes to facilitate her trek to help those in need.Land Granted to the Widow McGeeNancy was given a grant of 500 acres of land for her "public services" (I'm not sure what that means). She sold the land for 250 pounds.Barnabas McGee Facts* Born in County Ulster, N. Ireland* Emigrated to PA* Married Ann (AKA Nancy) Carroll of London, England* Moved to Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada 1767/1768 and received a land grant on Rogers Hill in Pictou. * Remained there for almost a decade. * Moved in 1776 to become the first white family settled in Merigomish, Nova Scotia* Death by drowning (he and son Barnabas)

FamilyThey had five children, including but not limited to Barnabas McGee and Polly McGee, as well as my husband’s

Friday, December 12, 2014

This post will:* show the linking of the Towne Family (last seen in the previous post) to the Petts sisters. The Petts sisters' children married one another, producing my husband's mother (a "Cook"). * Also, one of the great grandmothers brings to this post a bizarre tale of a shocking mix-up to a mourning Union family.* * * *Ezra Towne & Elizabeth's Daughter, Rebecca TowneRebecca Towne, daughter of Ezra Towne (Post #48) and Elizabeth (last name unknown) were my husband’s 6th gr grandparents.Ezra Towne (of Post #48) was born April 30, 1736 in Topsfield, MA and died December 1795 in New Ipswich, NH. Ezra Towne (there were two, this is the elder one, he had a son he named Ezra) was married 2 or 3 times. I'm certain his daughter Rebecca’s mother (his wife’s) first name was Elizabeth but don't know her last name.Why the doubt?The Genealogical and Family History of the State of New Hampshire by E.S. Stearns tells me her name was Elizabeth Dutton. While other sources claim Elizabeth Dutton was the 2nd wife. And they say his first wife was also named Elizabeth but provide no maiden name for her. Quite possibly.I have to be satisfied with the information I have:Children from a marriage with an Elizabeth (?) 1 Ezra B 1759, Topsfield, MA; D 18312 Rebecca B July 25, 1763; D 1802 *husband's 5th gr grandmother3 Elizabeth B 1765 4 Elijah B 1767 D 1828, Mason, NHEzra may have had other wives and children (I don't have space to include here)5th Great Grandparents: Towne Joins the Petts Family*Rebecca Towne (1763-1802) & Jonathan Petts Jr*

Rebecca Towne, daughter of Ezra Towne & Elizabeth [unknown] was my husband’s 5th gr grandmother. Rebecca's BirthRebecca Towne was born July 25, 1763 in New Ipswich, NH.Marriage, Move and FamilyRebecca Towne married Jonathan Petts Jr (son of Jonathan Petts–see Post #46). Jonathan Petts was born September 13, 1753 in Townsend, MA and died September 20, 1828 in Stoddard, NH.MarriageRebecca and Jonathan Petts Jr were wed February 12, 1783 in Townsend, MA when Rebecca was 19.Early on this branch of the Petts family had moved to New Hamsphire. And, that is what Rebecca Towne and Jonathan Petts did: they lived in Stoddard, NH. Children of Rebecca Towne & Jonathan Petts JrI can’t verify all children as I have no access to good, verifiable records, but I am certain of:David (1788-1867) *husband's 4th gr grandfatherOther children, possibly: Kezia (unsure) (1792-1870)Jonathan (1796-1864)

DeathRebecca Towne died there in Stoddard, NH at 38 years old on either January 23 or 24 [certificate vs gravestone] in 1802 in Stoddard, NH.Jonathan Petts Jr died at 75 on September 20, 1828 in Stoddard, NH.4th Gr Grandparents *David Petts & Clarissa Parker* David Petts (1788-1867) was Jonathan Petts (Jr) & Rebecca Towne’s son (my husband’s 4th gr grandfather).

David Towne Petts (1810-1856) was the son of David Petts and Clarissa Parker and my husband’s 3rd gr grandfather.

BirthDavid Towne Petts was born on November 25, 1810 in Weston, Windsor, VT. He likely grew up in New Hampshire as his family lived there most of the time.

Marriage David Towne Petts married Phoebe Stevens on October 22, 1833 in Stoddard, NH.Phoebe Stevens was the daughter of John Stevens (1779-1840) and Azubah Proctor (1776-1840).Stevens Family Buries an Confederate SoldierWhile researching the Petts-Stevens family, I read a strange story that happened to the Stevens family in Stoddard New Hampshire. This story has to do with the Stevens Family of Stoddard NH and a Civil War tragedy. I'm not certain, but I don't believe it was the immediate family of Phoebe Stevens & David Towne Petts, it could have been her cousin. I'm sure it affected them all deeply.Here is the story:"They [the Stevens family] lived in Stoddard, New Hampshire. During the Civil War, they were notified that their son had been killed. His body was returned to them. They traveled to the Keene NH railroad freight station to retrieve the casket. When the casket was opened, they found not their son, but the body of a Confederate Soldier. The son's body was returned later, but the War Department refused to take back the body of the Confederate Soldier.The family decided to bury both boys in their family cemetery in Stoddard. They owned their own cemetery because in earlier times, a member of the family had died of smallpox and someone who died of a disease like that could not be buried in the town cemetery. This cemetery can still be seen in Stoddard.”A more sanitized version can be found on the County of Cheshire website:<< Stoddards Unknown Solider(Click to go to website of Historical Society of Cheshire County, NH)

Stoddard’s Unknown SoldierAlthough the Robb Cemetery in South Stoddard, New Hampshire is far from any Civil War battlefield, a young unknown victim of that war was buried there late in 1864. He is buried beside Henry Stevens, another young soldier. It is with Henry Stevens that the story of Stoddard’s unknown soldier begins.Young Henry longed to join the Union Army from the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. It was not until 1864, however, that he could be spared from the family farm in South Stoddard. He enlisted in the 18th New Hampshire Regiment on September 13th of that year.Henry never made it to the battlefield, however; three weeks later the Stevens family received word that he had died of typhoid fever at a military hospital in New York. His body was sent home and prepared for burial. Soon after the arrival of the coffin, however, a messenger arrived with word that a second coffin, also marked “Private Henry Stevens, Co. A, 18th New Hampshire Volunteers,” had arrived at the depot. The first coffin was found to contain the body of a young man unknown to the Stevens family. The second coffin contained the body of young Henry.Military officials could not identify the stranger, and furthermore, they refused to take him back. Consequently, the Stevens family buried the young stranger in the family lot beside their own son and cared for the stranger’s grave as they did for Henry’s.” >>So, though David Petts & Phoebe Stevens escaped direct involvement, I’m sure it still the events caused quite a stir. It's quite likely that this Stevens family is related to Phoebe.

David Towne Petts ' WorkDavid Towne Petts farmed to some extent in Nelson, VT, where for 10 or 12 or twelve years he was a cattle drover.Then they moved to Stoddard NH where he conducted a hotel for 6 years. Eventually he moved to Marlow, NH and managed on a hotel there for about 1 ½ year before his death.

David Towne Petts & Phoebe Steves DeathDavid Towne Petts died in Marlow, NH on December 3, 1856 at 46 years of age.However, his widow, Phoebe Stevens Petts, lived to be 89 and could be found in the Keene, NH City Directories of the late 1890s. Phoebe died in Keene, NH on April 3, 1902.

Bringing the lines together:

I realize how confusing family trees can be, here is a chart bringing together the early Towne Family together with the later Petts Family, and ending with my husband's mother.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

I was casually researching the descendants of Edmund Towne and ran into multiple births in my husband's line of the Townes. Edmund Towne and Mary Browning (Post #47) had twins. One of the twins was Joseph Towne.-Joseph Towne and Amy Smith

[my husband's 8th gr grandparents]Joseph's Birth & BackgroundJoseph Towne was Edmund Towne & Mary Browning’s son (nephew of 3 women tried in Salem Witch Trials see Post #47). Of their 3 sons, Joseph one of them.But Joseph was born a twin on September 2, 1661. According to the record his twin sister did not survive:

"Joseph & a daughter of Edmond Towne borne 2 of Sept 1661"

Joseph Towne's Marriage & Family

On August 10, 1687, Joseph Towne married Amy Smith whose first name often phonetically spelled Eamey=Eame=Aemy, and even Ruhama:

from "New England Marriages Prior to 1700"

Amy Smith was born in about 1668. I'm not certain where (with a name like Smith....well..) I don't have a date of death for Amy but, not before 1709 and not after 1756.Joseph & Amy's Children:1 Benjamin (husband’s 7th gr-grandfather) --B. May 10, 1691 Topsfield, Essex, MA --D. Feb 11, 1772 Topsfield, Essex, MA 2 Nathan Towne (1693 –?)3 Daniel Towne (1695-1712)4 Jesse Towne (1695-1754)5 Nathaniel Towne (1700-?)6 Joseph (1703-1717)7 Amy Towne (1704-?)8 Amos Towne (1709-1747)Benjamin Towne And Susannah Wildes[my husband's 7th great grandparents]Benjamin Towne was married four times.Though his father and mother Joseph and Amy seemed to have no multiple births, their son Benjamin and his wife certainlydid.Benjamin Towne - His Marriages & His FamilyBenjamin's First Marriage Benjamin married 1st Catherine [last name unknown] on April 1, 1713 Topsfield, Essex, MA. Catherine was probably born November1689 in Topsfield. When she died is not known to me, but likely before 1722 and probably in Topsfield, MA.No family seems to have resulted. Benjamin's Second MarriageBenjamin married 2nd, Susannah Wildes [Wilde/Wilds] Susannah was born October 20,1697 in Topsfield, MA.(Susannah Wildes may have been daughter of Ephraim Wildes. Ephraim's 2nd wife, Sarah Wildes, was tried and executed as a witch.This was sad, but familiar story for Benjamin Towne, who had 3 great aunts, his father's sisters, also tried as witches. He would have been a toddler when it happened. Likely the nastiness of the trials took decades to dissipate. I suppose New England has its own Hatfields and McCoys.)

Marriage #2.Benjamin and Susannah were married on April 12, 1722 in Topsfield, MA. Their FamilySusannah (my husband’s 7th gr grandmother) and she had 6 pregnancies (that I know of) from those six, she had 9 children! (Remember, but her husband had been a twin).Susannah had multiple births—more than once:* Her sons, Jacob and Joseph (born in 1728) were twins; * & three sons, Edmund, Elijah and Ezra were triplets.

Susannah Beats the OddsSusannah beat the “odds” in many ways:1 Of the (recorded) children she gave birth to 1 girl & 8 boys. 2 She had a set of twins.3 She also had a set of triplets. 4 The children of multiple births (twins and triplets) were boys; I understand it’s less common to have boys in multiple births.Unfortunately she didn’t beat the odds when it came to death.She’d given birth to the triplets the final day of April 30 of 1736 and died onlya couple months later in early July (5th) of 1736. Susannah was 38 years old when she died.Their children: *yellow signifies multiple births*1 Benjamin [Jr] (1723 -1784)2 Ephraim (1725-1793)3 Jacob (1728-1807)4 Joseph (1728-1789)5 Eli (1731-1800)6 Susannah (1733-?) 7 Edmund (1736-1813)8 Elijah (1736-1814)9 Ezra (1736-1795) Now what was Benjamin going to do with all those children? I would hope he would have had the help of the elder two children, some in-laws and some hired people. But he finally broke down and remarried.

Benjamin's Third MarriageHis 3rd wife was Mary Perkins, who he married on May 2 in 1738 also in Topsfield. Mary was in her mid-40s. But Mary pre-deceased Benjamin by 12 years, dying November 6, 1760 at about 61.When Mary died, the children were grown. But apparently, Benjamin was the marrying kind.

Benjamin's Fourth Marriage He married a 4th time, the following spring on April 15 of 1761. His 4th wife was Mary Frances Howlet[t] [Clark] who was in her late 50s in Topsfield, MA. She was the widow of Jacob Clark. She may also have been some kind of relative of his 2nd wife.DeathBenjamin died February 11, 1772 in Topsfield, MA. His fourth wife outlived him by about 10 years.